During the reception there are certain events that everyone looks forward to: the entrance of the newlyweds, the buffet line opening, and of course, the first dance. The first dance is a special moment during the reception because it’s one of the only times during the wedding that you get a chance to slow down, take a breath, and soak everything in—and all to the soundtrack of your favorite song.
But how out of thousands of songs do you choose one that really speaks to you? What if you don’t have an “our song”? We’ve gathered 75 first dance songs that will hopefully give you inspiration for your moment in the spotlight as a newlywed couple. Happy listening!
Classics or Standard Songs for Your First Dance
When you’re looking for songs that are classic, timeless, or that have the most tear-jerker worthy lyrics, look no further than this list. Classic or “standard” songs are always crowd pleasers, and it’s highly unlikely that you’ll look back on your wedding song and laugh or cringe.
At Last – Etta James
Cheek to Cheek – Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong
Everything – Michael Bublé
The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
Can’t Take My Eyes Off You – Frankie Valli
When I Fall in Love – Nat King Cole, Natalie Cole
When a Man Loves a Woman – Percy Sledge
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes – The Platters
Then He Kissed Me – The Crystals
The Look of Love – Dusty Springfield
Somethin’ Stupid – Nancy Sinatra
You Send Me – Sam Cooke
All of Me – Billie Holiday
Oldies but Goodies for Your First Dance
If you and your partner consider yourselves stuck musically in the past, then this list is for you. You have no idea what the cool kids are listening to these days, and that’s perfectly okay with you. Slow dancing to the oldies suits the two of you just fine.
My All – Mariah Carey
By Your Side – Sade
For Once in My Life – Stevie Wonder
The Sweetest Thing – Lauryn Hill
All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo
For You I Will – Monica
Is This Love – Bob Marley
Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Truly – Lionel Richie
Just the Way You Are – Billy Joel
Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours) – Stevie Wonder
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
Country Music Songs for Your First Dance
Whether you are wearing a cowboy hat and boots to your wedding, or you just plan on doing a lot of two stepping at your reception, these are some perfect country love songs for your first dance.
If I Were a Carpenter – Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash
Rose of My Heart – Johnny Cash
Makin’ Plans – Miranda Lambert
Free – Zac Brown Band
When I Said I Do – Clint Black, Lisa Hartman Black
Then – Brad Paisley
God Gave Me You – Blake Shelton
I Cross My Heart – George Strait
Tennessee Whiskey – Chris Stapleton
Rock and Roll Songs for Your First Dance
Even rock stars fall in love occasionally—and luckily they gave us some of the best love songs in history. If you don’t consider yourselves the classic love song kind of couple, these songs might just be for you.
Fell in Love with a Girl – The White Stripes
Wonderful Tonight – Eric Clapton
She – Elvis Costello
Here, There and Everywhere – The Beatles
Maybe I’m Amazed – Paul McCartney
Baby I Love You – Ramones
Lovesong – The Cure
Just Like Heaven – The Cure
Pop Songs for Your First Dance
When it comes to your musical taste, you prefer top 40 and anything that’s topped the charts. These are some of the best pop songs in recent years that will make you sway and swoon on the dance floor.
Thinking Out Loud – Ed Sheeran
I Won’t Give Up – Jason Mraz
All of Me – John Legend
Coming Home – Leon Bridges
Halo – Beyonce
Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars
A Thousand Years – Christina Perri
How Long Will I Love You – Ellie Goulding
Count on Me – Bruno Mars
Adore You – Miley Cyrus
Make You Feel My Love – Adele
Only Love – Ben Howard
You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
Marry You – Bruno Mars
Indie Songs for Your First Dance
You might not call yourself hipsters, but let’s just say that you prefer your music on the alternative side. Here are some indie hits (old and new) that would be perfect for the coolest of the cool couples to dance to.
Sweet Disposition – The Temper Trap
Falling Slowly – Glen Hansard, Marketa Irglova (Music from “Once”)
Home – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
Better Together – Jack Johnson
First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes
Oh, It Is Love – Hellogoodbye
Eyes – Rogue Wave
Tougher Than the Rest – Camera Obscura
Electric Love – BØRNS
I Will Be There – Odessa
Sea of Love – Cat Power
Love is a Verb – John Mayer
Lucky – Jason Mraz
A Beautiful Mess – Jason Mraz
Can’t Help Falling in Love – Ingrid Michaelson
Fade Into You – Mazzy Star
Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Us – Regina Spektor
The Luckiest – Ben Folds
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